Mrs. Lockhart said urgent intervention is now needed from the Department of Justice and Department of Finance to ensure that childcare providers are not disadvantaged by a system that is simply too slow to meet operational needs.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“Childcare providers are currently facing unacceptable delays of 4–8 weeks in getting new staff vetted through the AccessNI process. During this time, they are often left without sufficient staffing levels and, in some cases, have no option but to turn children away. This is deeply concerning and puts unnecessary pressure on families who rely on these vital services.

By contrast, schools are permitted to allow new staff to begin under supervision while their vetting is being completed. This ensures continuity of care and stability for children. Yet childcare providers who play an equally important role in supporting children, parents, and our economy are not afforded the same flexibility.

I have written to both the Justice Minister and the Finance Minister to highlight the real and immediate impact of these delays, to seek clarity on current average processing times, and to call for urgent action to improve vetting turnaround and provide additional resources where needed. I have also urged consideration of a supervised-start model, mirroring what is already permitted within the education sector.

Families, providers, and children deserve better. Our childcare sector should be supported, not hindered, by bureaucracy. It is time for swift and practical reform.”